Only in Canada...

After living here close to five years, I've come to appreciate the following things.

a. Chinook - it's the warm wind that southern Alberta gets and at one point was the culprit of my migraine attacks! lol

b. Furnace - when you live in sub-zero weather, the furnace in the house is what you need to 'thaw' out. hahaha

c. Hockey - oi! It's the national sport - so, really, if you don't even learn to appreciate this, you better start packing and go back where you come from. :P

Ringette/lacrosse - see "hockey". Ringette is for the girls and who my niece apparently will be good at as promised by her mom (my sister!); Lacrosse is hockey for summer, go figure!

d. Skating - figure, ice, rollerblading - they all come in different variations; and I'm still learning the "ice" one as there's no way in the world will I learn figure skating (too old for that, lol) and rollerblading - hmmmmmm... how about I learn to glide in the ice first? :)]

e. Humidifier - because we have such a dry temperature, this comes in very handy!

f. Mitts/gloves, scarves and toque - hello, winter wear is not complete without these. Although, honestly, I have yet to look good in a toque. :(

g. Four seasons! Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall - although the East has wayyyyy better foliage and colours for autumn!

h. Toboggan(ing) - it's winter play time! :)

i. The Rockies - so, yes - mountains are formed from rocks - and not just some compact soil! Love the stretch that you can see from BC to AB and from our upstairs room. ;)

j. AWD / 4 x 4 - all wheel drives and 4x4s are helpful when you drive thru slippery roads.

k. Outlet stores and Big Sale mentality - marked down/discounted/reduced prices are great for the bargain hunters.

l. Lipgloss - a necessity all year round.

m. Moisturizer/lotion - are a must for our dry weather. And no, it's not vain to indulge in it too!

n. RRSP - registered plans. Working people are educated to save for their retirement.



1. Equal Opportunity Employment - people can be old and married and gay and be given the job.

2. Huge roads - and it's not just the highway!

3. Maternity/Paternity leaves - and you can hold your job secure.

4. Volunteerism and community care - helping each other is a norm. Too bad, there's a growing apathy from becoming too big a community now. :(

5. Political correctness - what more can I say??